Local departments across China have rolled out a series of support measures for the upcoming national college entrance exam, or gaokao, which will take place from Saturday to Tuesday.

According to the Ministry of Education, local education departments and admissions and exam institutions have been instructed to enhance services and offer comprehensive support for gaokao candidates. The measures cover areas such as public security, transportation, accommodation and meals, medical and health care and noise control.

Many cities have postponed performances and entertainment events originally scheduled during the exam period to create a quiet and comfortable environment for the candidates preparing for gaokao.

The Anhui Huangmei Opera Theater in Anhui province has suspended performances from Friday to Monday, aligning with the local gaokao schedule.

In Dongguan, Guangdong province, the concert of Hong Kong singer Jacky Cheung, originally scheduled from Friday to Sunday, was postponed to late August.

In Keshan county, Heilongjiang province, the local bureau of culture, sports, radio, television and tourism has called on residents to suspend noise-generating recreational activities such as square dancing.

Meanwhile, many cities, including Shanghai, Guangzhou in Guangdong province, Nanjing in Jiangsu province, and Hangzhou in Zhejiang province, have issued official notices to suspend nighttime construction activities during the gaokao preparation and exam period to prevent noise disturbances.

All noise-generating activities, including construction, interior renovation, the use of loudspeakers or other high-volume audio equipment, vehicle honking and fireworks, are prohibited near exam sites in urban areas.

All-around assistance

In Xi'an, Shaanxi province, local authorities have conducted comprehensive inspections of hotels, restaurants and other food providers around exam venues to identify and eliminate potential food safety risks.

The ministry said efforts will be strengthened to support candidates by addressing their practical difficulties during the exam period. Designated areas for storing personal items such as mobile phones and backpacks will be set up, and reasonable accommodation will be provided to candidates with special needs.

Braille exam papers have been specially prepared for 16 visually impaired candidates in 12 provinces, and more than 14,000 candidates with disabilities will receive appropriate support during the exam, according to the ministry.

Transportation assistance will also be offered in many regions. The taxi industry in Xi'an has mobilized 41,000 taxis and ride-hailing vehicles to provide free rides for gaokao candidates. In Haikou, Hainan province, more than 1,500 buses will be deployed across the city, allowing candidates to travel free of charge using their exam admission tickets.

Relevant departments will continue to crack down on exam-related illegal activities such as false advertising and misleading or fraudulent practices. "Efforts will also focus on information release, policy interpretation, reminders and rumor control to create a well-regulated, orderly and supportive exam environment," the ministry said.

After the exam, local departments will continue to provide free and high-quality college application services for students, including advisory events and online consultations, according to the ministry.